Advance Your Career as a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse with the Indian Health Service

Are you a dedicated psychiatric nurse looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is actively seeking an Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric) to fill vital roles in Elko, Nevada, and Fort Duchesne, Utah. This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your clinical expertise in a supportive, community-based setting.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric) at the IHS, your primary duties include:

Comprehensive Assessment: Analyzing biopsychosocial histories and psychiatric symptoms to formulate accurate DSM-based diagnoses.
Treatment Planning: Developing, implementing, and monitoring individualized care plans to improve patient outcomes.
Medication Management: Prescribing and adjusting pharmacological treatments to effectively manage mental health and substance use conditions.
Collaboration: Providing psychiatric consultation to other healthcare professionals and referring patients to specialized social services or counseling when necessary.
Program Development: Assisting in the revision of mental health programs to ensure efficient and effective care delivery.

Qualifications and Requirements

This position requires specific educational and clinical credentials:

Minimum Requirements

Requirement	Description
Education	Graduate degree in nursing from an accredited program.
Licensure	Current, active, unrestricted license in a U.S. state or territory.
Experience	Proven specialized experience in behavioral health care delivery.
Certification	Must have passed the NCLEX.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $117,383 to $164,017 per year. Beyond base pay, the IHS provides a comprehensive total compensation package, including the potential for student loan repayment assistance through programs like the NHSC or HRSA Nurse Corps.

How to Apply

Prepare your application materials, including your resume and transcripts.
Apply through the USAJOBS portal before the September 14, 2026, deadline.
Complete the required USA Hire assessment promptly upon receiving notification.
Monitor your application status regularly via your USAJOBS account.

Joining the Indian Health Service means becoming part of a community that values compassion and creative problem-solving. If you are ready to apply your psychiatric nursing skills where they are needed most, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on Native American health by providing expert psychiatric nursing care in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric) Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric) to join our clinical team at the Elko Service Unit in Nevada or the Uintah & Ouray Service Unit in Utah. This role is pivotal in delivering comprehensive behavioral health services, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for patients across the lifespan, while working alongside an interdisciplinary team committed to improving health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Requirements for Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric)

U.S. Citizenship.
Must have completed an accredited graduate or higher-level degree in a psychiatric or relevant nursing specialty.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted nursing license in a State, DC, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Must pass a federal background investigation and financial suitability review.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Ability to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges.

Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric)

Advanced clinical expertise in psychiatric behavioral health care delivery.
Proven track record in diagnostic assessment, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management.
Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and external behavioral health agencies.
Experience with evidence-based mental health treatment modalities.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and comprehensive benefits package.
✓Opportunities for student loan repayment programs (IHS, NHSC, and HRSA).
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Professional development and collaborative interdisciplinary team environment.
✓Relocation or recruitment incentives may be available for qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Click the Apply Online button and complete all mandatory questionnaires.
Attach your resume, transcripts, and proof of licensure/certification.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM (ET) deadline on September 14, 2026.
Check your email and the USAJOBS status portal for notifications regarding required USA Hire assessments.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists the number of hours worked per week for each position.
Submit your transcripts early, even if they are unofficial, to expedite the initial qualification review.
Prioritize your background investigation forms; timely completion is essential to prevent hiring delays.
Clearly document your clinical specialty and licensure details on your resume.
Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the assessment process before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric)?

You will perform patient assessments, diagnose psychiatric conditions using the DSM, manage medications, and develop individualized treatment plans while working in an interdisciplinary healthcare setting.

Is travel required for this position?

The position is generally site-based; however, on-call or standby duty may be required depending on the needs of the Service Unit.

Are there opportunities for student loan repayment?

Yes, the IHS, NHSC, and HRSA offer competitive student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines, subject to funding and agency priorities.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. We operate as a nationwide organization of providers who are passionate about service, problem-solving, and building strong, healthy communities through interdisciplinary teamwork.